The following procedures ensure the safety of humans who work in or visit the center:

Animal and human studies will be scheduled at different time points to minimize the potential contact between species.

Animal use at the center is limited to the preparation room and the scanning room itself.

Each animal study will need a separate approval from the BUMC IACUC and the CBI Steering Committee before any surgery and/or MRI scan can be scheduled. The preparation room should be used for all procedures (such as shaving, IV cannulation, intubation) that might involve significant release of body fluids or dander.

Each researcher is responsible for cleaning/disinfecting the scan room and preparation room immediately upon conclusion of the scan. Research teams should include one person responsible for animal handling/monitoring and one person responsible for cleanup.

Center personnel (including the MRI technician) are not allowed to work in the same room as an animal unless they appear as an approved person on a BUMC IACUC protocol.

In addition to the requirement for training in MRI safety, all personnel must be certified by CBI for animal use. This is achieved by taking a short training course that will orient them to the facilities, equipment, and procedures used at BUMC.

The following procedures ensure the well-being of experimental animals: Note: Animal researchers must have current approvals from the BUMC IACUC and from their home institution for their studies, including for transport and scanning.

Access

Animal access to the center is by one of two routes:

Animals may arrive at the 650 Albany Street loading dock, and be transported via the service elevator to the center.

Animals may arrive at the 700 Albany Street loading dock, and be transported via the service elevator to the sixth-floor corridor, across the enclosed bridge to the 650 Albany Street building, and down the service elevator to the center.

Animals are not to be brought in through the public entrances of either building.

Independently meet any special animal care needs for heat, ventilation, etc., as specified in the animal protocol.

Animal transport containers must prevent public viewing of animals. The carrier must protect the animals from environmental conditions. Researchers must be able to maintain their animal in the transport enclosure in the event the preparation room is not available when they arrive. Animals are not to be held in any transport enclosure for more than 12 hours.

Preparation Room

The preparation room is limited for use to prep one animal at a time. Researchers must ensure that adequate time exists before and after their study so as not to interfere with an incoming animal.

Veterinary Care

For animals that are to be anesthetized or subjected to a procedure, veterinary assistance must be available in case of unforeseen medical complications. Investigators must either come with veterinary assistance, or pre-arrange with BU ASC if a veterinarian on call is desired.

Regulations

These regulations are designed to prevent animals from coming into contact with other animals, either from BUMC colonies, or from outside. In the event of accidental contact with an outside animal, animals residing in the BUMC colony must undergo standard quarantine procedures before re-entering the colony.